James Comey arrives for testimony on Capitol Hill

House Republicans are set to interview former FBI Director James Comey behind closed doors Friday, the last time before they cede power to Democrats in January.

President Donald Trump fired Comey in May 2017, a move that led the Justice Department to appoint Robert Mueller special counsel to investigate Russian interference in the 2016 election, including potential collusion between Trump's campaign associates and Russian officials.

Comey Says House Committees Mostly Asked About Clinton Email Probe

House Republicans are preparing to interview James Comey behind closed doors, hauling the former Federal Bureau of Investigation director to Capitol Hill one final time before they cede power to Democrats in January. He had argued that Republicans would selectively leak details from the interview.

He said in a Thanksgiving Day tweet that he may not appear if the interview is not conducted in a public setting.

Comey said he might answer questions after the session on Friday.

Gowdy took issue with Comey's initial insistence that it be a public hearing, allegedly in the interest of transparency.

Citing a recent poll published by Rasmussen Reports that claims Trump's approval is now at 50%, Trump suggested that it would be half as much higher if it were not for the investigation into Russian election interference led by Special Counsel Robert Mueller.

Democrats say they will scrutinize Trump's attacks on the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Justice Department when they assume control of the House in January. So far, more than 30 people have been charged or pleaded guilty in Mueller's investigation.